• During pregnancy the placenta produces prostaglandings
• These prostaglandins cause blood vessel dilatation
• This vasodilatation reduces blood pressure, but increases renal blood flow
• Glomerular filtration rate increases
• There is marked sodium and water retention
• Pre-eclampsia occurs in late pregnancy and is typically water retention, hypertension and proteinuria
• Urinary tract infection in pregnancy is important as there is an increased risk of the infection ascending the dilated ureters to affect the kidney

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C. A. O'Callaghan 2004